The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 41

Tori

"Hide under the balcony. I'll mask your scent," I urged him. Reluctantly, my mate followed my instructions.

My heart raced as I hurriedly attempted to mask the scent of my mate. The overpowering rush of fear and anxiety mixed in a tumultuous swirl as I drenched myself and the corners of my room in a strong cologne, hoping it would effectively conceal any trace of him. Just as I anticipated, I heard a soft knock on the door, and Alpha Roman announced his arrival and his intention to see me.

With a deep breath, I whispered, "Come in.” The door swung open, revealing the Alpha.

“Good evening, my lovely rose,” he exclaimed. I mustered a faint smile, doing my best to hide my utter disgust. Since the engagement, he had taken to calling me his rose, which was far from flattering. His smile, his eyes, it all made my stomach churn with a feeling I couldn't quite name. I concealed my smirk as I contemplated the loss of respect I had for him after he conspired with my mother to force me into his bed and make me his unwilling bride.

“Good evening, Alpha,” I greeted, forcing myself to stand upright and not succumb to the urge to vomit in his presence. He inched closer, and I had to fight the impulse to step back and run away.

I knew it was cowardly to allow him to do as he pleased rather than resist, but what other choice did I have? My home pack had already been destroyed, and my father was dead. As painful as it was, all I had was my cunning mother. I knew I had no chance of surviving alone in case I managed to escape this pack. It sucked that I didn't have a choice but to endure this cruel fate.

"I miss my wife-to-be," Alpha Roman whispered as he leaned in to kiss me. It was a gesture meant to be affectionate, but to me, it felt like an invasion. Disgust welled up inside me, and I found myself cursing the day I had accepted this fate. I had become nothing more than a pawn in my mother's ruthless ambition, a tool to secure her power and dominance. I regretted every moment that had led me to this room, to this life, to this situation. It made me feel like a whore, and it was a feeling I couldn't shake from my system as I found some truth in it.

My first sexual encounter had been with this old man standing before me. I had always dreamt of something beautiful and passionate, but what I got was a nightmare. Alpha Roman, although still undeniably good-looking, couldn't hide the years etched onto his face. He was old enough to be my grandfather, and even my wolf, Kaya, couldn't deny the revulsion that washed over us. Maybe, this was my bad karma for all the bad things I did to Serena. Maybe, the moon goddess was punishing me for destroying my sister’s life.

Alpha Roman's lips met my neck, causing an involuntary shiver to run down my spine. I couldn't tolerate the sensation of his body against mine any longer, so I mustered the courage to gently push him away. The fear of potential consequences, however, compelled me to quickly offer an apology.

"I'm truly sorry, Alpha Roman," I stammered. My heart raced inside my ribcage like a galloping stallion.

Alpha Roman raised his eyebrow, his gaze intense and commanding. "Why did you do that?" he inquired. His voice carried a low, intimidating tone that sent fresh waves of fear throughout my body.

Struggling to find the right words, my mind raced to create an excuse that might satisfy him. "I... I just thought... I wanted to save myself for our wedding day," I managed to utter, my voice now infused with a pretense of innocence.

“But you already gave yourself to me,” he exclaimed while chuckling. I struggled to hide my anger, as I wanted to remind him he forced me into his bed and took my maidenhead against my will. But still, I pretended to be submissive in front of him.

“I know, Alpha Roman, but the night after a werewolf’s union is more special,” I exclaimed, trying to infuse some teasing into my voice.

A faint, knowing smirk graced Alpha Roman's lips as he leaned in closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "Is that so?" he murmured, clearly amused by my response.

Summoning all the courage I could muster, I put on a seductive smile, and my voice dropped to a sultry whisper as I brushed my lips near his ear. "I promise, Alpha, that when that day arrives, I will ensure it's worth the wait."

Alpha Roman growled as I felt the burning lust in his eyes. He took a deep breath, calming himself, before finally resigning.

“Alright, my rose. Surprise me on our wedding night.” He then stepped backward, not taking his gaze off of me. “I’d better go before I could no longer control myself.” He reluctantly left the room afterward, leaving me alone at last. As the door closed behind him, I heaved a sigh of relief, grateful for a moment's reprieve.

Turning toward the balcony, I saw my mate on the verge of departure. His eyes now reflected jealousy and anger, and I couldn’t help but be ashamed of everything I did with Alpha Roman. But I had to do it. I needed to summon all the ideas and excuses I could make so he could no longer claim my body. Once was enough. If it happens again, I might lose it.

I couldn't help but ask, "At least tell me your name."

His reply was swift, "Alexei," and then he disappeared into the night where he came.